Road trip to Maine this summer

[ladaz]

So I'm planning a road trip to Maine this summer (August) with a friend who's never been and am kind of overwhelmed with possibilities. I spent a summer in Maine a few years ago (about an hour north of Portland) so I have a few ideas of what to do, but would really like any recommendations of places to visit, things to do.

We definitely interested in spending time along the coast, but we're kind of looking to get off the beaten path. Also want to get in some kayaking, hiking, and camping.

I love finding places that are kind of unknown and not so touristy, but as long as it's worth the time, I don't mind fighting the crowds a bit.

So I'd really just like to hear some recommendations from anyone familiar with the area or knows a good hiking spot, kayaking area, good place to camp, eat, see something cool, etc. Thanks a bunch!!!

[nemesis331]

i've spent my summers in Maine my entire life, my family has a place up there and it's an amazing state. you said your into kayaking, camping, and hiking? well i know just where you should go. look into the forks. there are numerous companies up there that run the rivers daily (the mighty Kennebec and the Dead, also a few trips down the penobscot) the forks is a small town where the 3 rivers come together and its some of the best whitewater rafting and kayaking around. class five rapids for those daring enough to test it and a good portion of the applachian trail runs right along the river and in the same area. i can tell you atleast 10 mountains i've hiked within a 45 drive of the forks and the camping is wonderful. its endless wilderness in that part of the state and almost fully UNDEVELOPED. the lumber companies own most of the land so it is wild, and you never know what you might run into. also there is a number of very beautiful lakes in the area, Pleasant pond (where our cabin is), Wyman, parlin, lake moxie, etc, this list could go on forever. you can find camp sites everywhere if thats what your into.

it is only 2 hours from portland and a very easy trip. there is a company northern outdoors, which runs guided tours down the rivers as well as any other outdoor activity you could imagine and they offer lodging in cabins as well. there website is Northern Outdoors it is definetly worth checking out there website. i will be there the first two weeks in august and usually the best weather between early july to late august, but it's always nice.

almost forgot, but there is a must do while in the area. you MUST hike up to moxie falls. one of the most spectacular sights i have ever seen. we go every year because the entrance to the park is literally 10 mins from the main road through the forks and the hike isn't bad. once at the falls you can swim in the various pools throughout the gorge and there are many spots where you can cliff jump and such. just an amazing place that really puts you in touch with nature. also a good place to spot a moose.

here's another option that northern offers that seems pretty cool. it's a guided overnight wilderness tour. this will really show you the off the beaten track stuff, although this part of maine isn't as touristy as you'd expect and you will experience alot of the local culture at the rafters bars or the hollow log fire at 3 rivers whitewater on saturday nights! it's cool, they take a 20 foot hollow log and build a fire in it, and the flames shoot out the top. really somethign you could only see in maine.

outdoor adventure

good luck and PM me if you have any other questions or to let me know if your gonna try it

[kingcrazylegs]

We road tripped it out to Maine last year... we hiked Mt Katahdin, which was a great hike and a great mountain. The area surrounding it has lots of hikes as well all the is the top of the Appalachian Trail. We also went to Acadia National Park, which was absolutely beautiful! We camped within walking distance of the coast - fabulous!

[ladaz]

Wow, thanks nemesis and kinkcrazylegs! I can't wait to check out the links and spots you mentioned. That really puts me on the right path. There's just so, so much to do up there that I didn't know where to start.

I'm sure I'll have more questions once I have time to sit down and dig through everything.

Thanks again!

[nemesis331]

no problem...glad to help. Maine is so awesome because its a different pace. you wake up and do what you want, nothing more, and at your own speed. it's great to just relax sometimes and play things by year. you may wake up one day and realize there isn't a cloud in the sky....HIKE. that kinda thing. haha. i'm sure u'll have a blast!

[LiveFreeorDie]

You can check out:

Baxter State Park
Rangeley Lakes Region

Also check out:Hermit Island Campground

Used to go to Hermit Island as a kid. Nice campground right on the ocean. There are some great secluded beaches (but a lot of mosquitos at certain times).

I live right next door to Maine. There is lots to do. Enjoy!

[ladaz]

Okay, another kind of dumb question. I'm originally from Idaho, and even though there are tons of campgrounds both in pay and no-pay areas, you can basically just drop a tent on any public/state/federal land and camp for free.

Can you do the same in Maine? I know some states you can only camp in designated camping areas and a lot of times you have to make a reservation/pay, etc.

I assume you can, especially on backpacking trips where you can set up along the trail, etc. But do you know of any regulations/laws etc that I need to know about?

Thanks again for all your help. I love the Hermit Island link, my friend will really like that. Also Moxie Falls looks amazing!

[kingcrazylegs]

We had to pay at all the State Parks and in Baxter National Forest. We didn't make reservations, and found a place no problem.

[Andrusha]

Hey,

I have spend an August in Maine couple of years back. Acadia State Park is a nice place to visit, but could get a little crowded. I prefer off trail hiking, so basicaly I created my own paths through out the area. There you can also go fishing and sea kayaking. But the best part is of course the soft shell lobsters. You can't miss those. I know they have Lobster festivals in August so you can check, I asume a state page with that information. There are also some companies that do three to more days kayking trips through out Maine if you are interested in something of that nature.

[Maineartist]

Im from Maine though not a "Mainer" and I don't know that much about my states attractions but I suggest Monhegan Island. You can take a ferry from Rockland, Boothbay Harbor there. There's inexpensive inns, artists, and trails to hike. There are some of the highest cliffs on the east coast of the U.S. You will be enchanted for sure.
I like Boothbay Harbor and it's a nice drive where you can stop and see lots of places and there are interesting shops in towns along Rt. 1.

Acadia is wonderful as well.

If you go through Brunswick, Maine my hometown don't miss Fat Boy Drive in where you can enjoy ~ said to be BLT's famous around the U.S.


Peace.

John

[ladaz]

Thanks for the great info. I'm getting so excited about this trip, but I'm still trying to narrow down my itinerary - so much to do, so little time. Isn't that the way it always is?

[freespiritz]

Have a fun trip! There's a bunch of stuff here that I should try myself.

I think there's a hot-air balloon festival here in Lewiston/Auburn sometime every July, if you'd like to check out a bunch of fun floating objects...I don't know the exact date though.

I've heard the island hopping is good...other than that, eat lobster ice cream, see a moose or two...or 19 like I did while driving through northen maine

Just cross your fingers for good weather, it's gorgeous when the weather is good, but it's been raining way too much of late.

[ladaz]

I'm so excited!!! So I basically have my itinerary mapped out for my much anticipated road trip to Maine. The trip has turned into a solo expedition now as my friend has backed out, but that just turns it into a different kind of adventure!

I usually try to leave my trips open ended so I can be super flexible and go where the wind takes me, so to speak, but since this is a solo trip to parts unknown, and there are tons of things I want to make sure to get in - I'm committing myself to a semi-flexible agenda. (Also it makes my mum feel better to know where I am) And a VERY packed schedule.

Getting to my point - I'm sending in my application tomorrow (as soon as I get this stupid printer to work) for a camping spot in Baxter St. Park for the two nights surrounding my super-exciting hike up Katahdin. But on the chance that everything is booked to capacity this late in the season - how is that possible??? - does anyone know the area and have any recommendations for places to camp in surrounding areas? Kingcrazylegs, you said you didn't make resv and found a place no prob, but the website makes it sound like it's really hard to secure a spot.

Also, I don't want to be too far away as I need to be early to secure one of those few parking spots at the trailhead and get on the trail early.

Oh and nemisis - I AM going to spend a few days in the Forks area whitewater rafting and kayaking (and hiking to Moxie Falls!) Thanks so much for the link and info! I'm staying @ threerivers and it sounds like an awesome time with the bands and bonfires every night!

[Maineartist]

A kayaking suggestion: Seaspray Kayaking New Meadows River.
It's a nice place to kayak.
On route 1 take the New Meadows Road Bath/Brunswick exit.

[ladaz]

Thanks Maineartist. Not sure if I can fit it in, but I'll see if I can fit that in.

Just a couple of weeks away, so I'm busy getting all my stuff together for some summer road tripping fun. Yeah!

My itinerary looks like this right now:

Day 1:
Drive to Portland and spend night (catch a Seadogs game - I love them!)

Day 2:
Laze around Old Port district w/coffee, drive up to Freeport because it's not a trip to Maine w/out stopping at LL Bean. Then carry on to Acadia National park. Stay there for a night.

Day 3:
Explore Acadia and then drive to Millinocket area to camp for night.

Day 4:
Get up hours before dawn to drive and sit in line at the entrance of Baxter state park for one of the few parking spaces in order to hike Katahdin. Fall into my sleeping bag and sleep like a baby at end of extremely long day.

Day 5:
Skydive. Then hang out around bonfire w/music, and drink many beers.

Day 6:
Hike Gulf Hagas and swim in the many waterfall pools and then drive down to Forks to camp for night. Bonfire, music, and beers.

Day 7:
Whitewater kayaking and hiking trip. Will hike up to Moxie Falls for lunch break on the river. Bonfire, music, and beers.

Day 8:
Whitewater rafting day trip. Bonfire and beers. (Excellent repetition. )

Day 9:
Drive home.

Thank you all for your great suggestions!! They were sooooo helpful. Also let me know if anyone has suggestions for what I should see at Acadia National park.

Maine, here I come!